Discovering Rome’s Hidden Villas

As the sun rises over the Eternal City, the promise of a day filled with history and beauty beckons. Rome, with its ancient allure, offers a winter escape like no other. On January 11th and 12th, the weather is cool and inviting, perfect for a leisurely exploration of Rome’s hidden gems. Begin your journey with a Tivoli Villa Tour, a private exploration of the stunning villas and immaculate gardens that lie just beyond the city’s bustling heart.

The tour starts early, at 8:00 AM, allowing you to bask in the tranquility of Hadrian’s Villa, the summer residence of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. As you wander through the Pecile, the Naval Theatre, and the large thermal baths, you’ll be transported back to a time of opulence and grandeur. The villa’s treasures, including a faithful reproduction of an Egyptian shrine, offer a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of ancient Rome.

Continue your journey to Villa d’Este, a 16th-century masterpiece of architecture and landscape design. The villa’s gardens, with their geometric paths, fountains, and breathtaking waterfalls, are a testament to the peak of European garden concepts. As you stroll through this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll understand why it has captivated visitors for centuries.

“Excellent tour from Civitavecchia to Tivoli - Having been to Rome several times we were looking for an alternative while on a cruise. Searching the web, we ran across Discovery Tours and their tour to Tivoli. What a great choice! Discovery Tours provide a delightful transport with great advice from our driver. Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este were far above what any review had prepared us for. The scope and amount of ruins at Hadrian’s was amazing…could have easily spent a full day here. Then, the Town of Tivoli was an experience free of the maddening crowds of tourists. Great lunch al fresco and then off to Villa d’Este. What an amazing place. Arriving, it appears to be a tenement building which elicited the thought “is this worth spending our time on?” Then stepping inside, the house is impressive, although, again, nothing to get too excited about. That is until you step out onto the terrace and see the absolutely stunning gardens and fountains. What a magical place. In summary, if you are looking for an alternative to another trip into Rome or looking for a day trip from Rome, go to Tivoli…and Discovery Tours is an excellent resource for getting there.” - Reviewed on 2019-12-05

Culinary Delights in the Heart of Rome

After a morning of historical exploration, indulge your senses with a culinary adventure that promises to be as memorable as the sights you’ve seen. On January 11th, join a Cooking Class at either 10:30 AM or 4:00 PM, where you’ll learn to create two of Italy’s most iconic dishes: Tonnarelli cacio e pepe and tiramisu.

Under the guidance of an expert chef, you’ll experience the joy of crafting fresh pasta from scratch, mastering the delicate balance of sheep cheese and black pepper that defines cacio e pepe. The class is hands-on, ensuring that you leave with the skills to recreate these dishes at home, along with a newfound appreciation for the art of Italian cooking.

The highlight of the class is undoubtedly the tiramisu, a dessert that needs no introduction. As you layer mascarpone and espresso-soaked ladyfingers, you’ll understand why this sweet treat has captured the hearts of dessert lovers worldwide. After 2.5 hours of culinary creativity, sit down to enjoy your creations with a well-deserved glass of wine.

“It’s researchgreat!! - Elisabeth was an host and teacher. Making both tiramisu and pasta was easy, not intimidating and fun! While we were not allowed to make cacio e Pepe in the kitchen due to health law regulations, we were allowed to watch the chef turn out pasta into the classic dish. The eating it and the tiramisu with the other people in the program made it a memorable experience.” - Reviewed on 2024-07-22

Embracing the Roman Winter

Rome in January offers a unique charm, with its cooler temperatures and shorter days providing the perfect backdrop for intimate explorations and culinary indulgences. The partly cloudy skies and moderate winds create an atmosphere that is both invigorating and serene, ideal for those seeking a winter escape that combines culture, history, and gastronomy.

As you wander through the city’s hidden villas and savor its culinary delights, you’ll find that Rome’s winter allure is as captivating as its summer splendor. Whether you’re exploring the grandeur of Hadrian’s Villa or perfecting the art of tiramisu, each experience is a testament to the city’s timeless appeal.

So, wrap yourself in a cozy scarf, embrace the crisp air, and let Rome’s hidden treasures and culinary wonders transport you to a world of indulgence and discovery. This winter, let the Eternal City be your guide to a journey of the senses, where every moment is a celebration of life’s finest pleasures.